PM423.pdf

This document is a Policy Memorandum (#423) issued by the State of California's Department of Developmental Services within the Health and Welfare Agency's Residential Services Division, dated July 25, 1994. The policy memorandum provides comprehensive guidelines for employment practices within developmental centers, specifically addressing the hiring and screening processes for applicants with prior criminal convictions. The document outlines detailed protocols for evaluating potential employees, with a particular focus on preventing individuals with certain felony or misdemeanor convictions from working in positions that have direct contact with clients.

The policy establishes strict criteria for disqualifying applicants, including a comprehensive list of felony offenses that automatically preclude employment, such as sexual crimes, murder, child abuse, and kidnapping. The memorandum requires developmental centers to conduct background checks through the California Department of Justice and mandates a thorough review process for applicants with criminal histories. Executive Directors are given discretion to evaluate factors like the nature of the position, recency and seriousness of the offense, and the applicant's age and past conduct when making employment determinations. Additionally, the policy requires centers to seek additional information about arrests, pending trials, and specific types of offenses that might pose risks in client-facing roles.